Viral Structure & Structure
The protein shell that encloses a viral genome is called what?
Capsid
The first step of infection when the virus binds to the host cell is called what?
Attachment (Adsorption)
What is the main purpose of glycolysis?
To generate ATP and metabolic intermediates
What is a viral oncoprotein?
A viral protein that interferes with normal cell growth control
What does PCR stand for?
Polymerase Chain Reaction
What geometric shape is formed by 60×N subunits in many viral capsids?
Icosahedral symmetry
What type of viral entry involves a coated pit and vesicle formation?
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis
During infection, why might a virus increase a host cell’s nutrient uptake?
To get more energy and materials for making viral components
Which two cellular proteins help regulate the cell cycle and are often targeted by viruses?
p53 and RB
What type of test detects viral proteins using antibodies?
Antigen detection test or ELISA
What is the purpose of the matrix (M) protein in enveloped viruses?
Links nucleocapsid to envelope and drives budding
Why must negative-sense RNA viruses carry their own polymerase?
Because their genomes can’t act as mRNA
What molecule produced in the TCA cycle helps generate energy for viral replication?
ATP
What happens when a virus disrupts normal control of cell division?
It can lead to uncontrolled cell growth (transformation)
What is one advantage of molecular tests like PCR?
They are very sensitive and specific
The lipid envelope is derived from what structure in the host cell?
Host cell membrane
What is the main enzyme retroviruses use to copy RNA into DNA?
Reverse Transcriptase
Which pathway makes both NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate for biosynthesis?
Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP)
What does “hit-and-run” carcinogenesis mean?
A virus can start cancer development but may no longer be present later
What is a common cause of false positives in nucleic acid tests?
Contamination from previous samples
Name the two major structural types of viral capsids.
Icosahedral and helical
What determines how a virus replicates and makes mRNA?
The type of genome it has (Baltimore classification)
Why do some viruses favor aerobic glycolysis, even when oxygen is present?
It produces materials quickly for viral growth (similar to the Warburg effect)
What is one way viruses can promote cancer without inserting genes?
By causing chronic inflammation or altering host signaling pathways
What test determines if antibodies block viral infection?
Neutralization assay